What Makes a Great Mentor?

Educator and motivational speaker William Arthur Ward once remarked on the qualities of a great teacher: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Building on Ward’s observation, one could argue that a great mentor excels in all four, motivated by paying forward the gift of wisdom and guidance that a mentor once provided for him or her in their own career. Like a parent, a mentor can have a profound influence on an individual; however in many cases, the mentor is a respected expert in a particular field and can offer career guidance and opportunities that a parent cannot. In a recent article for Inc., Jayson Demers, founder and CEO of AudienceBloom, discussed the seven qualities of a great mentor. Here is a summary:

1. As an expert in their field, a mentor should be ready and willing to share what they know.2. A mentor must make a serious commitment, in time and effort, to an individual. There should be a plan and preparation for mentoring sessions.3. A mentor must be approachable, make him or herself available, and be willing to listen attentively and patiently.4. When providing criticism, be honest — but be sensitive and diplomatic.5. A great mentor is one who is not only teaching but actively learning, and keeping abreast of new developments in their field. The more a mentor learns, the more he or she can pass on.6. A mentor-mentee relationship is different than a friendship; a mentor must remain objective and fair in providing guidance and career opportunities; there should not be a hidden agenda.7. A great mentor should be a role model not just as an industry expert but also as a human being. Like a teacher or parent, a mentor must be genuine and compassionate.

Now that you know the essential qualities of a great mentor, honor the mentor in your life by making a pledge to mentor someone this year and change someone’s life for the better.